"Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."
   — New Living Translation

What do you think?

1. Name an activity or goal that you’re really anxious to accomplish?
2. Are you depending upon anyone else (friends, family, teachers) to help you accomplish your activity or goal?
3. Are others depending upon you to help them accomplish some goal or activity?
4. What if people you’re depending on don’t assist you in ways you need to accomplish your goals?
5. How has working together with others helped you be more productive?
6. Name an activity or goal you accomplished that did not include help from others.
   Could this goal or activity have been accomplished more efficiently or quickly if others helped you? Why?
7. Imagine: You have 20 minutes to move 500 pounds of dirt from your driveway to your backyard, and you only have one shovel and one wheel barrel! How much more quickly would this dirt get moved if you had 3 people, each with their own shovel and wheel barrel?

What does God think?

What are some advantages of others helping you accomplish a goal or activity (vv. 9-10)?

What is the disadvantage of being on your own when trying to accomplish a goal (v. 10)?

Why do you suppose that God intends for us to work together with others (hint: Gen. 2:18)?

What does God say about how others can help us when our circumstances get tough (v. 11)?

Do you think v. 11 applies only to others meeting our physical needs, or are there ways in which others help meet our emotional or spiritual needs as well? Explain.

How can others help when people are trying to attack you verbally, emotionally, or spiritually (v. 12)?

Is one best-friend enough sometimes (v. 12)?

Note: A three-braided rope is only as strong as each individual braid!

Now that you know these things . . .

• Do you believe it’s optional to allow others believers to get involved in helping you grow as a Christian? Explain.
• Identify one concern in your life that needs to be conquered. In what way(s) could another believer help you gain victory?
• Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times." List people you can rely on to love you at all times (no family, please). If your list is very short, why not begin asking God to introduce you to a friend that will love you at all times?
• Have you been a dependable friend to others? If you need to grow in this area, ask one other person you trust to pray for you.